Birmingham, Ala. (WIAT) — A current Fb publish claiming an Alabama nurse had died from the COVID-19 vaccine has many well being specialists outraged.
The publish was debunked by the Alabama Division of Public Well being, stating the publish was a rumor and unfold of misinformation.
Jefferson County Well being Officer Dr. David Hicks says publish like these might be dangerous on the subject of folks getting the vaccine, which is why he warns folks to watch out what they learn and share on social media.
“The unfold of this can be very harmful. Particularly when that is our solely actual shot of getting out of this pandemic,” Hicks mentioned.
Dr. Hicks says he has seen all types of inaccurate theories on-line in regards to the vaccine.
“That in case you get the vaccine, it might trigger COVID-19. So, it’s you may get COVID-19 from the vaccine. That’s an entire fantasy,” Hicks mentioned.
Different well being specialists like Dr. Celeste Reese Willis hear these theories in individual day by day.
“Oh, if I get a vaccine, it means I don’t must put on a masks anymore. No. That’s completely not true,” Willis mentioned.
Willis believes the unfold of misinformation might be damaging to extra than simply medical professionals.
“Truly, it’s placing peoples’ lives at risk and inflicting them to take dangers that really put us as a complete in the neighborhood extra in danger for COVID,” Willis mentioned.
Hicks says he noticed the publish the ADPH shared on Wednesday. He admits the publish seemed official, which he believes is much more trigger for concern.
“So, if any person posted one thing..you say ‘show it. Present me the info.’ And if they will’t show it to you, then don’t unfold it,” Hicks mentioned.
In the case of info about vaccines typically, Hicks says the CDC, state and native well being departments have probably the most correct data.
“We’re going to examine. Look into issues. Once we say it, we’ve carried out our homework and we will put on the market that we will again up every thing,” Hicks mentioned.
Consultants imagine if majority of the inhabitants get the vaccine, the pandemic will likely be over.
“It’s going to take leaders in the neighborhood. It’s going to take folks having an open thoughts and with the ability to hearken to true, correct and good data,” Willis mentioned.
Hicks says the county well being division plans to place extra details about the vaccine on-line so the general public has a greater understanding.
